Ghost and goblins, princesses and superheros, it’s time to come get sweets at the Monroe Elementary PTA Trunk or Treat. The event, set for 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday in downtown Monroe, features creatively decorated vehicles full of Halloween goodies to celebrate the spooky holiday.
“Trunk or Treat is a fun fundraiser that Meagan Breckenridge came up with last year as an idea to help the PTA raise money for our students and an opportunity for our students to have something fun to do during Halloween time,” PTA President Kassie Lynch said. “Vehicles come out and decorate their trunks and pass out promotional items or candy. It’s been from businesses to teachers and even just families coming out and being a part of this trunk or treat for our students.”
Like most events this year, Trunk or Treat will have a slightly different look. There will be less hands-on activities for kids and the vehicles will be spread out on two streets, Commerce and Marion, for added social distancing. Drink, packaged treats, mini pumpkins and a photo booth will be available at the free event.
In its second year, the PTA knew it had a hit when numbers and excitement exceeded expectations in 2019.
“Last year was a great success. We had a way better turnout than we ever thought would happen for being the first year,” Lynch said. “Everyone loved all of the decorated trunks but I would have to say some of the favorites were from Midlands who brought in a trailer and the school had a small school bus and I think the kids really enjoyed that. McCall Monument went all out and had a tent and a trunk which was really neat. PTA also had an awesome stick your hand in a container and see what’s inside. The kids really enjoyed feeling things that they couldn’t see.”
Like a lot of organizations, fundraising opportunities have been cut down due to the pandemic. The PTA is still working to show kids and families a fun time while being safe and help the school through its many donations to the classrooms.
“The PTA really hopes this is another great turn out because everything the PTA puts on for fundraisers all the money goes back to our students and our staff at Monroe Elementary,” Lynch said. “Without our funds there wouldn’t be any field trips, there wouldn’t be any cool, new seating in their rooms, there wouldn’t be additional learning supplies, additional books we purchased and anything that the teachers come to us and request of to help each individual classroom be successful.”
Anyone can come out and enjoy the Trunk or Treat. The PTA is also still accepting participants for the event and those interested can contact Lynch at 641-990-8023. Spots will be available through the day of the event.
“This event is a great event that’s outside so people are able to spread out and stay healthy and still be able to enjoy a great event in their community,” Lynch said. “A big and huge thank you to our community all of our families without you we wouldn’t have the fun and excitement of putting on all these great PTA fundraisers. We look forward to seeing everyone next weekend and everyone’s Halloween costumes all dressed up and having some fun finally after being cooped up for so long.”
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com